The Inheritance

by Ali Vali

  She reached into the picnic basket and held up Grady’s adoption papers. “I don’t want a repeat of what happened with Ivy, but more importantly, I want the world to know he’s ours.”

  Willow read the top line and what Grady’s new name would be and sighed softly, tears in her eyes. Grady James Vernon Delacroix would have two moms, and they’d spend their life telling him how much he was loved, and about his birth parents.

  “You’re really something, and yes. That’s perfect.” Willow dropped the papers and hugged her.

  “There’s one more thing.” She pulled the basket closer and reached inside.

  “You don’t have to add anything else, unless you want Syd transferred to janitorial.” Willow pulled Tucker’s hair and shook her head. “I’m kidding—mostly.”

  “Let’s not waste time talking about things that aren’t important.”

  “What do you want to cover, then?”

  “If we’re moving in here, raising our son, and loving each other, we should do it right.” She took the ring box out and held it in her fist. “Grady and I want you to join the Delacroix team because we love you, and we can’t imagine living without you. Will you marry me?”

  Willow stared at the diamond Stella had helped her pick, because obviously she couldn’t be trusted to do it alone, and didn’t say anything for what seemed like an hour. Tucker started to sweat.

  Finally, Willow said, “Oh, baby, it’s beautiful.”

  “Thank you, but this is more of a yes or no kind of question.”

  Willow threw her arms around Tucker, laughing. “Yes! You’re the answer to everything I want. Both of you.”

  “I feel like that too, darlin’, and the only other choice you have now is lunch or checking out the new bed upstairs.”

  “And now you’ve figured out why I said yes.” Willow got to her feet and carefully picked Grady up so he could try out his new bed too. The house was done except for the kitchen, but they were a week out from moving in. “You’re a sexy beast and it’s time to prove it.”

  “Whatever you want.”

  “I have that already and I’m not letting go.”

  Tucker imagined the years they’d enjoy together in the home that held so many good memories, and she couldn’t wait to begin. “I’ll be happy to prove myself whenever you like, and I can’t wait to marry you.”

  “You’re good at the happily ever after, honey, and I’m glad it’s me you’ll share it with.”

  “Let’s get to it.”

  Epilogue

  One Year Later

  They’d decided on the name Paraíso for the camp since Willow thought it was paradise, and she watched Grady run after Tucker in the backyard. It’d been a busy year, but in a week they’d open JiMon with the whole family aboard, including Tara and Bubba.

  Her relationship with Jim Bob’s kids had been slow and bumpy, but with her help, they now owned Delacroix Construction outright and were making a name for themselves. They’d learned about how to run a company while she’d learned to become Tucker’s partner in more than marriage. Bubba and Tara also came to dinner often to spend time with Grady, and Tucker seemed happy they’d turned around.

  The happiest she’d seen Tucker was the day she slipped a thick gold band on her finger and said I do. It’d been heavenly after that, and she loved being Willow Delacroix for the simple reason that the world knew she was Tucker’s wife. The company and her new position as co-CEO took a back seat to being married and a mother, but it was fun working with Tucker every day. The other reason was that Syd had found happiness with a woman and was now working in another department. They’d rescued their friendship, and it worked well now.

  “The kids approved the contract for the jobs you proposed and are thinking about expanding their main yard. They’ll be here in a few days with Stella and Bart,” Jefferson said as they sat at the dining table getting all their business out of the way so they could start enjoying themselves.

  “Good, they can show off for their grandparents. They’ve come into their own with Tucker’s idea, and working has helped them grow into some pretty awesome people.”

  “Papa,” she heard Grady yell but he was still laughing. That’s what he’d decided to call Tucker, and there was no dissuading him, no matter how many times Tucker had tried variations of Mom.

  “Anything else before I open a beer and exile you to the guest cottage?” The property now had a few cottages for when the whole family joined them and they wanted to retain their privacy.

  Jefferson took out an envelope and handed it to her. She instantly recognized Monique’s handwriting. “I think you might want to read this. It’s time.”

  She held it and didn’t say anything as Jefferson went out and spoke to Tucker briefly before picking Grady up and walking off with him. It didn’t take Tucker long to make it inside and join her.

  “Come with me,” Tucker said, taking her hand and heading to their room. “Do you want to wait?”

  She shook her head and handed Tucker the letter. “Would you read it to me?”

  Tucker opened it with her pocketknife and sat on the bed. “Remember that I love you, and so did she.”

  She laid her head on Tucker’s chest and took a deep breath. “I know, and I hope she’s happy with us when it comes to Grady.”

  “That’s a given, darlin’, because Grady is one happy kid.”

  “True, so go ahead and read.”

  Willow,

  Nothing in your life prepares you to become a mother, no matter how many books you read or how much advice people give you. That hit me head-on when they laid Grady in my arms the minute he was born, and I suspect it was the same for you. In my heart, though, I know you’ve forged your own way, and Grady has a wonderful life because you’re his mommy in every sense of that title.

  I want you to know how much of the happiness in my life revolved around you and the memories we shared. You’re my sister, but I love you for so much more than that. Grady will be as lucky as me to have such an awesome person in his life, helping him through it. You certainly did that for me and I appreciate everything you gave me.

  You’re probably mad about the six-year stipulation, but I have faith in you to figure out that one out as well. I knew love and want the same for you, and if you’re going to fall in love, it should be that steal your breath, all-encompassing kind. So Tucker, don’t do anything to betray my faith in you when it comes to delivering what I know you’re capable of. Together you two will be a force that’ll give our son a wonderful life.

  If you’re reading this, then he’s not really my son any longer, but yours. My wish is that you teach him to be a good man who knows where he comes from, and what his future can be, but more importantly teach him to be happy.

  Jim Bob and I rest easy because Grady is not only fine, but because so are you. Grief is only eased through love, and Willow, from my experience, I think you’ll find no greater love than with a Delacroix. They love to fish, work, and have fun, but they’re loyal and caring, and will do anything for their families. If you need my blessing, congratulations. Tucker is the perfect life partner for you.

  Enjoy the experiences yet to come, and hopefully you’ll eventually decide to use the other inheritance Jim Bob left for Tucker. Before you say no, think about how important you were to me, and how important Jim Bob was to Tucker. Give Grady the same thing.

  Thank you for the way you cared for me, and for being the best little sister I could ever want. One day, years from now, I’ll enjoy hearing about all the adventure your life has been, but that can wait. Now is your time to enjoy all that life has given you, and time to love the one who holds your heart.

  All my love,

  Monique

  Willow cried, and Tucker held her close, knowing as usual when Willow wanted to talk and when she didn’t. That comfort gave her the strength to read the letter again, and finally she smiled at what Monique had left behind. It was so much more than Grady.

  “You okay, m
y love?” Tucker asked when Willow lifted her head and kissed her passionately.

  “I am because you’re mine, and you love me, but right now I need you to show me what’s on the boxers today.” She laughed at how quickly Tucker stripped and locked the door. It was hard not to feel cherished when Tucker always wanted her this much.

  “What was she talking about, what Jim Bob left me? I really don’t need anything else.”

  “We’ll talk about that after you come. That afterglow stupor always makes you more open to suggestion. Then I can get what I want.” Willow got naked and lay down.

  “Name it and I’ll give it to you.” Tucker stood by the bed and appeared ready to devour her.

  “A few more kids, but I know you’re not only up to the job, you’re going to enjoy adding to your fishing team.”

  “We’ve come full circle, haven’t we?” Tucker covered her body with hers and kissed her lips first before moving on. “Just keep in mind—the house has five bedrooms.”

  “They say pregnant women crave sex.” She bit Tucker’s bottom lip, enjoying her moan.

  “We can always add on.”

  “No matter what, we’ll do it together. Once we’re done, we’ll leave our family to carry on for us, and we’ll owe Jim Bob and Monique for their not so gentle shove in the right direction.”

  “An inheritance of love,” Tucker said. “But enough sap for the day. You’re naked and I don’t want to think about anything but that.”

  She laughed and pinched Tucker’s cheeks. “I love that one-track mind of yours, baby, and more importantly, I love you.”

  “Want to start practicing the building a family option?”

  “I’m ready for that and everything else as long as I’m at your side.”

  “Seriously, it’s time to can the sappy. Make me come.”

  “You aren’t kidding there.”

  There was so much to look forward to, but now it was time to enjoy the moment and the woman who’d stolen her heart.

  About the Author

  Ali Vali is the author of the long-running Cain Casey Devil series, the Genesis Clan Forces series, and the Call series, including Lambda Literary Award finalist Calling the Dead.

  Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family’s traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.

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